US20130312872A1 - Refrigerator appliance with features for assisted dispensing - Google Patents
Refrigerator appliance with features for assisted dispensing Download PDFInfo
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- US20130312872A1 US20130312872A1 US13/477,486 US201213477486A US2013312872A1 US 20130312872 A1 US20130312872 A1 US 20130312872A1 US 201213477486 A US201213477486 A US 201213477486A US 2013312872 A1 US2013312872 A1 US 2013312872A1
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- Prior art keywords
- dispenser
- refrigerator appliance
- camera
- door
- recess
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- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 63
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000011664 signaling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/08—Details
- B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
- B67D1/1202—Flow control, e.g. for controlling total amount or mixture ratio of liquids to be dispensed
- B67D1/1234—Flow control, e.g. for controlling total amount or mixture ratio of liquids to be dispensed to determine the total amount
- B67D1/1236—Flow control, e.g. for controlling total amount or mixture ratio of liquids to be dispensed to determine the total amount comprising means for detecting the size of vessels to be filled
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D23/00—General constructional features
- F25D23/12—Arrangements of compartments additional to cooling compartments; Combinations of refrigerators with other equipment, e.g. stove
- F25D23/126—Water cooler
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
Definitions
- the present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator appliances with features for assisted dispensing, e.g., of ice and/or water.
- Refrigerator appliances generally include a cabinet that defines a chilled chamber for receipt of food items for storage. Refrigerator appliances can also include features for dispensing ice and/or water. To dispense ice and water, certain refrigerator appliances include a dispenser mounted to a door of the appliance. The dispenser can direct ice from an ice maker within the refrigerator appliance to an ice dispensing outlet within the dispenser. Similarly, the dispenser can direct water from a water supply to a water dispensing outlet within the dispenser.
- a user can insert a container into the dispenser and initiate a flow of ice and/or water into the container.
- certain refrigerator appliances include a paddle mounted within a dispenser recess. The user can push the container against the paddle in order to initiate the flow of ice and/or water into the container.
- filling certain containers with ice and/or water from the dispenser can be troublesome.
- certain water bottles have relatively small openings. Directing a flow of water from the water dispensing outlet into the bottle's small opening can be difficult because the user's view of the opening is often obstructed.
- the dispenser is often located at about a chest height of the user.
- the dispenser's paddle and water dispensing outlet are often located at a back of the dispenser such that the user cannot see the paddle or water dispensing outlet without stooping over.
- a refrigerator appliance with features for assisting a user with filling a container with ice and/or water would be useful.
- a refrigerator appliance with features for assisting a user with filling containers with small openings would be useful.
- a refrigerator appliance with features for assisting a user to easily and accurately direct a flow of water and/or ice into a container would be useful.
- the present subject matter provides a refrigerator appliance with a dispenser for directing a flow of ice and/or water to a dispenser recess of the dispenser.
- a camera is directed towards the dispenser recess, and a display is also provided for displaying an image from the camera. The image can assist a user in positioning a container within the dispenser recess. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
- a refrigerator appliance in a first exemplary embodiment, includes a cabinet that defines a chilled chamber for receipt of food articles.
- a door is mounted to the cabinet. The door is configured for permitting selective access to the chilled chamber of the cabinet.
- a dispenser is mounted to the door. The dispenser defines a dispensing recess.
- a camera is directed towards the dispensing recess of the dispenser.
- a display is in communication with the camera. The display is configured for displaying an image of the dispenser recess from the camera.
- a refrigerator appliance in a second exemplary embodiment, includes a cabinet that defines a chilled chamber configured for receipt of food items.
- a door is mounted to the cabinet and configured for permitting selective access to the chilled chamber of the cabinet.
- a dispenser for directing a flow of ice or water into a dispenser recess defined by the dispenser is mounted to the door.
- a camera is mounted to the door and pointed towards the dispenser recess of the dispenser.
- a display is also mounted to the door. The display is configured for displaying an image of the dispenser recess from the camera.
- a refrigerator appliance in a third exemplary embodiment, includes a cabinet that defines a chilled chamber for receipt of food articles.
- a door is mounted to the cabinet. The door is configured for permitting selective access to the chilled chamber of the cabinet.
- a dispenser is mounted to the door. The dispenser defines a dispensing recess.
- a means for assisting a user in aligning a container with an outlet of the dispenser is also provided.
- FIG. 1 provides a front view of a refrigerator appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
- FIG. 2 provides a front view of the refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1 with refrigerator doors of the refrigerator appliance shown in an open configuration to reveal a fresh food chamber of the refrigerator appliance.
- FIG. 3 is a front view of a dispenser of the refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1 and, in particular, illustrates the dispenser directing a flow of water into a container positioned within a dispenser recess of the dispenser.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 3 taken along the 4 - 4 line of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a refrigerator appliance 100 .
- Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a cabinet or housing 120 defining an upper fresh food chamber 122 and a lower freezer chamber 124 arranged below the fresh food chamber 122 .
- refrigerator appliance 100 is generally referred to as a bottom mount refrigerator.
- housing 120 also defines a mechanical compartment (not shown) for receipt of a sealed cooling system.
- Refrigerator doors 126 , 128 are rotatably hinged to an edge of housing 120 for accessing fresh food compartment 122 .
- a freezer door 130 is arranged below refrigerator doors 126 , 128 for accessing freezer chamber 124 .
- freezer door 130 is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted within freezer chamber 124 .
- Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a dispensing assembly 110 for dispensing water and/or ice.
- Dispensing assembly 110 includes a dispenser 114 positioned on an exterior portion of refrigerator appliance 100 .
- Dispenser 114 includes a discharging outlet 134 for accessing ice and water.
- An activation member 132 is mounted below discharging outlet 134 for operating dispenser 114 .
- activation member 132 is shown as a paddle.
- activation member 132 may be any other suitable mechanism for signaling or indication initiating a flow of ice and/or water into a container within dispenser 114 , e.g., a switch or button.
- a user interface panel 136 is provided for controlling the mode of operation.
- user interface panel 136 includes a water dispensing button (not labeled) and an ice-dispensing button (not labeled) for selecting a desired mode of operation such as crushed or non-crushed ice.
- Discharging outlet 134 and activation member 132 are an external part of dispenser 114 , and are mounted in a recessed portion 138 defined in an outside surface of refrigerator door 126 .
- Recessed portion 138 is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice or water and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over and without the need to access freezer chamber 124 .
- recessed portion 138 is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of refrigerator appliance 100 having refrigerator doors 126 , 128 in an open position to reveal the interior of the fresh food chamber 122 .
- Dispensing assembly 110 includes an insulated housing 142 mounted within refrigerator chamber 122 . Due to insulation surrounding insulated housing 142 , the temperature within insulated housing 142 can be maintained at levels different from the ambient temperature in the surrounding fresh food chamber 122 .
- insulated cavity 142 is constructed and arranged to operate at a temperature that facilitates producing and storing ice. More particularly, the insulated cavity contains an ice maker for creating ice and feeding the same to a receptacle 160 that is mounted on refrigerator door 126 . As illustrated in FIG. 2 , receptacle 160 is placed at a vertical position on refrigerator door 126 that will allow for the receipt of ice from a discharge opening 162 located along a bottom edge 164 of insulated housing 142 when refrigerator door 126 is in a closed position (shown in FIG. 1 ). As door 126 is closed or opened, receptacle 160 is moved in and out of position under insulated housing 142 .
- insulated housing 142 and its ice maker can be positioned directly on door 126 .
- the ice maker in a configuration where the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment are located side by side (as opposed to over and under as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ), the ice maker could be located on the door for the freezer compartment and directly over receptacle 160 . As such, the use of an insulated housing would be unnecessary.
- Other configurations for the location of receptacle 160 , an ice maker, and/or insulated housing 142 may be used as well.
- Controller 150 Operation of the refrigerator appliance 100 is regulated by a controller 150 ( FIG. 4 ) that is operatively coupled to user interface panel 136 and/or activation member 132 (shown in FIG. 1 ).
- Panel 136 provides selections for user manipulation of the operation of refrigerator appliance 100 such as e.g., selections between whole or crushed ice, chilled water, and/or other options as well.
- controller 150 operates various components of the refrigerator appliance 100 .
- Controller 150 may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of refrigerator appliance 100 .
- the memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH.
- the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory.
- the memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor.
- Controller 150 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout refrigerator appliance 100 . In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , controller 150 is located within beneath the user interface panel 136 on door 126 . In such an embodiment, input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between controller 150 and various operational components of refrigerator appliance 100 .
- the user interface panel 136 may represent a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block.
- the user interface 136 may include input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads.
- the user interface 136 may be in communication with controller 150 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.
- FIG. 3 is a front view of dispenser 114 .
- FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of dispenser 114 taken along the 4 - 4 line of FIG. 3 .
- dispenser 114 extends between a top 175 and a bottom 176 along a vertical direction V.
- Dispenser 114 also extends between a front 177 ( FIG. 4 ) and a back 178 ( FIG. 4 ) along a transverse direction T ( FIG. 4 ).
- the vertical and transverse directions V and T are perpendicular to one another.
- a container 172 is inserted within the recessed portion 138 of dispenser 114 in order to initiate a flow of water, shown as arrow F, into container 172 .
- a user can insert container 172 into recessed portion 138 along the transverse direction T until container impacts activation member 132 .
- the user can urge container 172 against activation member 132 until activation member 132 deflects towards the back 178 of dispenser 114 as best shown in FIG. 4 .
- controller 150 initiates the flow of water F into container 172 .
- the flow of water F is directed into container 172 from a water outlet 170 mounted within an ice outlet 171 .
- Both water outlet 170 and ice outlet 171 are components of the dispensing outlet 134 described above. Ice outlet 171 can direct ice from insulated housing 142 ( FIG. 2 ) into container 172 in the manner described above.
- water outlet 170 is in fluid communication with a water supply (not shown) such that water outlet 170 may receive water from the water supply and direct such water into container 172 as flow of water F.
- water supply is used herein to encompass any manner or combination of valves, lines or tubing, housing, and the like, and may simply comprise a conventional (e.g., cold) water connection.
- Dispenser 114 includes features for assisting a user in accurately and/or easily directing flow of water F into an opening 174 of container 172 .
- dispenser 114 includes a camera 180 directed towards recessed portion 138 .
- Camera 180 is specifically directed to a section of recessed portion 138 where opening 174 of container 172 is frequently positioned by a user. The direction of camera 180 is shown by line L.
- Camera 180 is mounted within dispenser 114 above dispenser recess 138 along vertical direction V. Camera 180 is also positioned adjacent water outlet 170 . However, camera 180 may be mounted at any other suitable location. For example, camera 180 may be mounted to refrigerator doors 126 and 128 or within dispenser recess 138 .
- Camera 180 may be any type of device suitable for capturing an image 184 (image 184 is shown presented on a display 182 in FIG. 3 as discussed in greater detail below).
- camera 180 may be a video camera or a digital camera with an electronic image sensor, e.g., a charge coupled device (CCD) or a CMOS sensor.
- CCD charge coupled device
- Camera 180 is in communication with controller 150 such that controller 150 may receive a signal from camera 180 corresponding to image 182 captured by camera 180 .
- a display 182 is mounted above dispenser 114 .
- Display 182 is in communication with controller 150 such that display 182 may receive a signal from controller 150 corresponding to image 184 captured by camera 180 .
- controller 150 may receive the signal from controller 150 and present image 184 to a user visually.
- Display 182 may include, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), or any other suitable mechanism for displaying image 184 , e.g., a projector.
- LCD liquid crystal display panel
- PDP plasma display panel
- display 182 is mounted within control panel 136 .
- display 182 may be mounted at any suitable location.
- display 182 may be mounted to one of refrigerator doors 126 and 128 ( FIG. 1 ).
- Camera 180 and display 182 may be used to assist a user in aligning flow of water F and opening 174 of container 172 such that flow of water F is directed into opening 174 .
- controller 150 can initiate flow of water F when activation member 132 is actuated by a user.
- activation member 132 is actuated, e.g., by container 172
- controller 150 directs camera 180 to record image 184 of recessed portion 138 along line L.
- FIG. 3 because container 172 is positioned along line L, camera 180 captures image 184 of opening 174 of container 172 .
- Such image 184 is presented on display 182 to the user as shown in FIG. 3 .
- opening image 174 i a water outlet image 170 i , and a flow of water image F i within image 184 .
- opening image 174 i , a water outlet image 170 i , and a flow of water image F i correspond to opening 174 , a water outlet 170 , and a flow of water F.
- image 184 the user can adjust the position of opening 174 of container 172 within recessed portion 138 so that flow of water F is directed into opening 174 .
- the user can align opening image 174 i and flow of water image F i in order to also align opening 174 and a flow of water F.
- the user can, e.g., avoid spilling water due to inaccurate placement of opening 174 relative to flow of water F. Also, the user can avoid stooping or bending over to directly observe and align opening 174 and flow of water F.
- refrigerator appliance 100 may include a sensor (not shown) mounted within dispenser 114 that detects container 172 entering recessed portion 138 .
- controller 150 may initiate the flow of water F and/or display image 184 taken by camera 180 on display 182 .
- user control panel 136 may include a button (not shown) that a user can depress in order to signal controller 150 to initiate flow of water F and/or display image 184 taken by camera 180 on display 182 .
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Abstract
Description
- The present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator appliances with features for assisted dispensing, e.g., of ice and/or water.
- Refrigerator appliances generally include a cabinet that defines a chilled chamber for receipt of food items for storage. Refrigerator appliances can also include features for dispensing ice and/or water. To dispense ice and water, certain refrigerator appliances include a dispenser mounted to a door of the appliance. The dispenser can direct ice from an ice maker within the refrigerator appliance to an ice dispensing outlet within the dispenser. Similarly, the dispenser can direct water from a water supply to a water dispensing outlet within the dispenser.
- As an example, a user can insert a container into the dispenser and initiate a flow of ice and/or water into the container. In particular, certain refrigerator appliances include a paddle mounted within a dispenser recess. The user can push the container against the paddle in order to initiate the flow of ice and/or water into the container.
- However, filling certain containers with ice and/or water from the dispenser can be troublesome. For example, certain water bottles have relatively small openings. Directing a flow of water from the water dispensing outlet into the bottle's small opening can be difficult because the user's view of the opening is often obstructed. For example, the dispenser is often located at about a chest height of the user. In addition, the dispenser's paddle and water dispensing outlet are often located at a back of the dispenser such that the user cannot see the paddle or water dispensing outlet without stooping over.
- Accordingly, a refrigerator appliance with features for assisting a user with filling a container with ice and/or water would be useful. In particular, a refrigerator appliance with features for assisting a user with filling containers with small openings would be useful. Further, a refrigerator appliance with features for assisting a user to easily and accurately direct a flow of water and/or ice into a container would be useful.
- The present subject matter provides a refrigerator appliance with a dispenser for directing a flow of ice and/or water to a dispenser recess of the dispenser. A camera is directed towards the dispenser recess, and a display is also provided for displaying an image from the camera. The image can assist a user in positioning a container within the dispenser recess. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
- In a first exemplary embodiment, a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet that defines a chilled chamber for receipt of food articles. A door is mounted to the cabinet. The door is configured for permitting selective access to the chilled chamber of the cabinet. A dispenser is mounted to the door. The dispenser defines a dispensing recess. A camera is directed towards the dispensing recess of the dispenser. A display is in communication with the camera. The display is configured for displaying an image of the dispenser recess from the camera.
- In a second exemplary embodiment, a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet that defines a chilled chamber configured for receipt of food items. A door is mounted to the cabinet and configured for permitting selective access to the chilled chamber of the cabinet. A dispenser for directing a flow of ice or water into a dispenser recess defined by the dispenser is mounted to the door. A camera is mounted to the door and pointed towards the dispenser recess of the dispenser. A display is also mounted to the door. The display is configured for displaying an image of the dispenser recess from the camera.
- In a third exemplary embodiment, a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet that defines a chilled chamber for receipt of food articles. A door is mounted to the cabinet. The door is configured for permitting selective access to the chilled chamber of the cabinet. A dispenser is mounted to the door. The dispenser defines a dispensing recess. A means for assisting a user in aligning a container with an outlet of the dispenser is also provided.
- These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
- A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:
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FIG. 1 provides a front view of a refrigerator appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. -
FIG. 2 provides a front view of the refrigerator appliance ofFIG. 1 with refrigerator doors of the refrigerator appliance shown in an open configuration to reveal a fresh food chamber of the refrigerator appliance. -
FIG. 3 is a front view of a dispenser of the refrigerator appliance ofFIG. 1 and, in particular, illustrates the dispenser directing a flow of water into a container positioned within a dispenser recess of the dispenser. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dispenser ofFIG. 3 taken along the 4-4 line ofFIG. 3 . - Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
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FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of arefrigerator appliance 100.Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a cabinet orhousing 120 defining an upperfresh food chamber 122 and alower freezer chamber 124 arranged below thefresh food chamber 122. As such,refrigerator appliance 100 is generally referred to as a bottom mount refrigerator. In the exemplary embodiment,housing 120 also defines a mechanical compartment (not shown) for receipt of a sealed cooling system. Using the teachings disclosed herein, one of skill in the art will understand that the present invention can be used with other types of refrigerators (e.g., side-by-sides). Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention in any aspect. -
Refrigerator doors housing 120 for accessingfresh food compartment 122. Afreezer door 130 is arranged belowrefrigerator doors freezer chamber 124. In the exemplary embodiment,freezer door 130 is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted withinfreezer chamber 124. -
Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a dispensingassembly 110 for dispensing water and/or ice.Dispensing assembly 110 includes adispenser 114 positioned on an exterior portion ofrefrigerator appliance 100.Dispenser 114 includes a dischargingoutlet 134 for accessing ice and water. Anactivation member 132 is mounted below dischargingoutlet 134 for operatingdispenser 114. InFIG. 1 ,activation member 132 is shown as a paddle. However,activation member 132 may be any other suitable mechanism for signaling or indication initiating a flow of ice and/or water into a container withindispenser 114, e.g., a switch or button. Auser interface panel 136 is provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example,user interface panel 136 includes a water dispensing button (not labeled) and an ice-dispensing button (not labeled) for selecting a desired mode of operation such as crushed or non-crushed ice. - Discharging
outlet 134 andactivation member 132 are an external part ofdispenser 114, and are mounted in a recessedportion 138 defined in an outside surface ofrefrigerator door 126. Recessedportion 138 is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice or water and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over and without the need to accessfreezer chamber 124. In the exemplary embodiment, recessedportion 138 is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view ofrefrigerator appliance 100 havingrefrigerator doors fresh food chamber 122. As such, certain components of dispensingassembly 110 are illustrated.Dispensing assembly 110 includes aninsulated housing 142 mounted withinrefrigerator chamber 122. Due to insulation surroundinginsulated housing 142, the temperature withininsulated housing 142 can be maintained at levels different from the ambient temperature in the surroundingfresh food chamber 122. - In particular,
insulated cavity 142 is constructed and arranged to operate at a temperature that facilitates producing and storing ice. More particularly, the insulated cavity contains an ice maker for creating ice and feeding the same to areceptacle 160 that is mounted onrefrigerator door 126. As illustrated inFIG. 2 ,receptacle 160 is placed at a vertical position onrefrigerator door 126 that will allow for the receipt of ice from adischarge opening 162 located along abottom edge 164 ofinsulated housing 142 whenrefrigerator door 126 is in a closed position (shown inFIG. 1 ). Asdoor 126 is closed or opened,receptacle 160 is moved in and out of position underinsulated housing 142. - Alternatively, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
insulated housing 142 and its ice maker can be positioned directly ondoor 126. In still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in a configuration where the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment are located side by side (as opposed to over and under as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 ), the ice maker could be located on the door for the freezer compartment and directly overreceptacle 160. As such, the use of an insulated housing would be unnecessary. Other configurations for the location ofreceptacle 160, an ice maker, and/orinsulated housing 142 may be used as well. - Operation of the
refrigerator appliance 100 is regulated by a controller 150 (FIG. 4 ) that is operatively coupled touser interface panel 136 and/or activation member 132 (shown inFIG. 1 ).Panel 136 provides selections for user manipulation of the operation ofrefrigerator appliance 100 such as e.g., selections between whole or crushed ice, chilled water, and/or other options as well. In response to user manipulation of theuser interface panel 136,controller 150 operates various components of therefrigerator appliance 100.Controller 150 may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation ofrefrigerator appliance 100. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. -
Controller 150 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughoutrefrigerator appliance 100. In the illustrated embodiment shown inFIG. 4 ,controller 150 is located within beneath theuser interface panel 136 ondoor 126. In such an embodiment, input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed betweencontroller 150 and various operational components ofrefrigerator appliance 100. In one exemplary embodiment, theuser interface panel 136 may represent a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In another exemplary embodiment, theuser interface 136 may include input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. Theuser interface 136 may be in communication withcontroller 150 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. -
FIG. 3 is a front view ofdispenser 114.FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view ofdispenser 114 taken along the 4-4 line ofFIG. 3 . As may be seen inFIGS. 3 and 4 ,dispenser 114 extends between a top 175 and a bottom 176 along a verticaldirection V. Dispenser 114 also extends between a front 177 (FIG. 4 ) and a back 178 (FIG. 4 ) along a transverse direction T (FIG. 4 ). The vertical and transverse directions V and T are perpendicular to one another. - In
FIGS. 3 and 4 , acontainer 172 is inserted within the recessedportion 138 ofdispenser 114 in order to initiate a flow of water, shown as arrow F, intocontainer 172. As an example, a user can insertcontainer 172 into recessedportion 138 along the transverse direction T until container impactsactivation member 132. The user can urgecontainer 172 againstactivation member 132 untilactivation member 132 deflects towards the back 178 ofdispenser 114 as best shown inFIG. 4 . Whenactivation member 132 is in such a configuration,controller 150 initiates the flow of water F intocontainer 172. - The flow of water F is directed into
container 172 from awater outlet 170 mounted within anice outlet 171. Bothwater outlet 170 andice outlet 171 are components of the dispensingoutlet 134 described above.Ice outlet 171 can direct ice from insulated housing 142 (FIG. 2 ) intocontainer 172 in the manner described above. Conversely,water outlet 170 is in fluid communication with a water supply (not shown) such thatwater outlet 170 may receive water from the water supply and direct such water intocontainer 172 as flow of water F. It should be understood that the term “water supply” is used herein to encompass any manner or combination of valves, lines or tubing, housing, and the like, and may simply comprise a conventional (e.g., cold) water connection. -
Dispenser 114 includes features for assisting a user in accurately and/or easily directing flow of water F into anopening 174 ofcontainer 172. In particular,dispenser 114 includes acamera 180 directed towards recessedportion 138.Camera 180 is specifically directed to a section of recessedportion 138 where opening 174 ofcontainer 172 is frequently positioned by a user. The direction ofcamera 180 is shown by line L. -
Camera 180 is mounted withindispenser 114 abovedispenser recess 138 along verticaldirection V. Camera 180 is also positionedadjacent water outlet 170. However,camera 180 may be mounted at any other suitable location. For example,camera 180 may be mounted torefrigerator doors dispenser recess 138. -
Camera 180 may be any type of device suitable for capturing an image 184 (image 184 is shown presented on adisplay 182 inFIG. 3 as discussed in greater detail below). As an example,camera 180 may be a video camera or a digital camera with an electronic image sensor, e.g., a charge coupled device (CCD) or a CMOS sensor.Camera 180 is in communication withcontroller 150 such thatcontroller 150 may receive a signal fromcamera 180 corresponding to image 182 captured bycamera 180. - A
display 182 is mounted abovedispenser 114.Display 182 is in communication withcontroller 150 such thatdisplay 182 may receive a signal fromcontroller 150 corresponding to image 184 captured bycamera 180. As may be seen inFIG. 3 ,display 182 can receive the signal fromcontroller 150 and present image 184 to a user visually.Display 182 may include, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), or any other suitable mechanism for displaying image 184, e.g., a projector. - In
FIGS. 3 and 4 ,display 182 is mounted withincontrol panel 136. However,display 182 may be mounted at any suitable location. For example,display 182 may be mounted to one ofrefrigerator doors 126 and 128 (FIG. 1 ). -
Camera 180 anddisplay 182 may be used to assist a user in aligning flow of water F and opening 174 ofcontainer 172 such that flow of water F is directed intoopening 174. As an example, as discussed above,controller 150 can initiate flow of water F whenactivation member 132 is actuated by a user. Whenactivation member 132 is actuated, e.g., bycontainer 172,controller 150 directscamera 180 to record image 184 of recessedportion 138 along line L. As shown inFIG. 3 , becausecontainer 172 is positioned along line L,camera 180 captures image 184 of opening 174 ofcontainer 172. Such image 184 is presented ondisplay 182 to the user as shown inFIG. 3 . - In particular, the user can see an
opening image 174 i, awater outlet image 170 i, and a flow of water image Fi within image 184. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, openingimage 174 i, awater outlet image 170 i, and a flow of water image Fi correspond to opening 174, awater outlet 170, and a flow of water F. Utilizing image 184, the user can adjust the position of opening 174 ofcontainer 172 within recessedportion 138 so that flow of water F is directed intoopening 174. In particular, the user can alignopening image 174 i and flow of water image Fi in order to also align opening 174 and a flow of water F. Utilizing such visual feedback, the user can, e.g., avoid spilling water due to inaccurate placement of opening 174 relative to flow of water F. Also, the user can avoid stooping or bending over to directly observe and align opening 174 and flow of water F. - As will be understood by those skilled in the art, in alternative exemplary embodiments, flow of water F and/or displaying image 184 taken by
camera 180 ondisplay 182 may be initiated with any suitable input. For example,refrigerator appliance 100 may include a sensor (not shown) mounted withindispenser 114 that detectscontainer 172 entering recessedportion 138. In response to a signal from such sensor,controller 150 may initiate the flow of water F and/or display image 184 taken bycamera 180 ondisplay 182. Conversely,user control panel 136 may include a button (not shown) that a user can depress in order to signalcontroller 150 to initiate flow of water F and/or display image 184 taken bycamera 180 ondisplay 182. - This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
Claims (17)
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US13/477,486 US8746296B2 (en) | 2012-05-22 | 2012-05-22 | Refrigerator appliance with features for assisted dispensing |
US13/685,983 US20130085003A1 (en) | 2009-09-18 | 2012-11-27 | Cross groove type constant velocity joint with composite groove patterns |
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US13/477,486 US8746296B2 (en) | 2012-05-22 | 2012-05-22 | Refrigerator appliance with features for assisted dispensing |
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US12/563,029 Division US8382600B2 (en) | 2009-09-18 | 2009-09-18 | Cross groove type constant velocity joint with composite groove patterns |
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US20130312872A1 true US20130312872A1 (en) | 2013-11-28 |
US8746296B2 US8746296B2 (en) | 2014-06-10 |
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